Rebecca Ashford

Nationality: GBR Height: 173cm
College Lucy Cavendish
University Cambridge
Status Postgraduate
Role Rower

About Rebecca:

 

What course are you studying and what level?

MPhil in Environmental Policy

 

Why did you chose that course?

The course is predominantly split 50/50 focusing on environmental economics and environmental law so I love that I get a holistic understanding of an area I’m so passionate about!

 

When, where and why did you start rowing? And what do you love about the sport?

I learnt to row at the University of Exeter in 2022 and I met by best friends through the sport and had so much fun learning a new sport with them. I also love the routine that it gives me and challenging myself whilst being in such a supportive team environment.

 

What was your first rowing club and coach?

University of Exeter Boat Club – Paul Widdowson

 

What or who was the earliest sporting inspiration you remember as a child?

I remember always watching the Boat Race when I was a child and thinking it was amazing but I had never considered starting rowing myself… I loved horse riding and tennis when I was younger so found strong women in sport like Mary King and Serena Williams inspiring!

 

How has rowing and being part of the Boat Race squad impacted your life?

I can’t imagine being at Cambridge and not being part of CUBC, I have absolutely made friends for life and have never been part of a more supportive team who inspire me every day!

 

If you weren’t a rower, what sport do you think you’d excel at?

I used to play Tennis, so hopefully I would still be okay at it!

 

What is your favourite non-academic book?

The Thursday Murder Club